Caitlin Teece, a Year 11 pupil at the school, was awarded her Black Belt 2nd Dan in the discipline of Karate after a successful grading on Saturday, September 24.

The pupil has been studying karate since the age of eight and was awarded her 1st Dan two years ago.

She has already begun preparations in the pursuit of further honours, and has now begun her 3rd Dan training, which is expected to take three years to complete.

As part of her grading Caitlin demonstrated multiple techniques including self-defence blindfolded against four attackers, sparring and demonstrating her fitness by complete 100 press-ups and sit-up at the end of her exam.

She also had to submit an essay describing the personal benefits and positive effects of karate.

The talented martial artist trains at John Lynn’s Black Belt Academy in Colwyn Bay, where she also volunteers with the Little Dragons in the hope of inspiring the next generation.

Acting head Roger McDuff, said: “This is an incredible achievement for someone so young, and everyone at Rydal Penrhos is extremely proud of Caitlin.

“Not only does is it take an enormous amount of discipline to reach the heights of Black Belt, she is also setting a fine example to others during her volunteering at the academy, which is simply fantastic.”